Opposition raises questions over IEBC independence ahead of talks

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu. [PHOTO: SCREENGRAB]

The United Opposition plans to present concerns over alleged bias, possible irregular voter listing and what they describe as “inappropriate fraternising between the electoral agency and the presidency” when they visit IEBC offices today.

Opposition leaders who spoke to the Star questioned whether the IEBC is acting independently, saying perceived partiality could undermine public confidence in next year’s elections.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, a member of the United Opposition's legal team, said the IEBC is carrying out what he termed an unlawful mass voter registration in areas perceived to support President William Ruto, under the guise of continuous voter listing.

He did not provide evidence to support the claims.

Areas he mentioned as locations where this could be happening include the Northeastern region, parts of the Coast and Rift Valley.

“We have information that they are doing mass registration, not what they call continuous voter registration, in Northeastern, parts of Rift Valley and parts of the Coast without gazettement,” Muriu said in an interview with the Star on Tuesday.

“It is illegal to do mass registration without gazettement. The law only provides for continuous registration where people go to IEBC offices to register. What they are doing is wrong,” he added.

The team, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, also plans to raise issues they describe as uneven ID registration that they say has limited voter registration in areas considered opposition strongholds.

“In areas that seem to be pro-government, the youths are getting IDs and in Mt Kenya, they are told they can only get after six months. That is systematic rigging of elections. The implication is very simple, they cannot be able to register in good time,” Muriu said.

These are among the matters, he said, expected to form part of their discussions with IEBC officials on Wednesday.

The leaders also plan to raise questions about the IEBC’s interactions with President William Ruto, noting there have been several engagements with the head of state, who is expected to contest in the next general elections.

According to Muriu, such interactions could create a perception of political alignment for an agency expected to serve as a neutral referee.

“We are going to raise an issue where the chairman is fraternising with one of the players that is President Ruto, not once, not twice,” the lawmaker said.

“When a referee is having a fraternity with one of the players what do you expect? We therefore want to raise the matter so that Kenyans can see,” he added.

Muriu said the commission should reaffirm its commitment to neutrality, transparency and adherence to electoral laws, saying credible elections depend on an independent and impartial IEBC.

A meeting of the opposition team chaired by Kalonzo and People’s Liberation Party chairperson Martha Karua last week resolved to visit IEBC offices to present their concerns.

“We shall pay a visit to the IEBC on Wednesday, in the afternoon, where we intend to table critical matters of national concern that require urgent attention,” Kalonzo said.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The United Opposition brings together several political parties seeking to challenge President William Ruto in the next elections. Parties associated with the coalition include DCP, Wiper, DP, DAPK, PLP and Jubilee, among others.